Since January, 2010, this blog has been dedicated to year-round coverage of the New York theater scene and, particularly, the annual Tony Awards race. The site features commentary on each production and its chances at nominations or wins, with keen insights into voter trends, leading to expert predictions.

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Curtain Rises On "The Mountaintop"

Katori Hall's new play, The Mountaintop, which recently transferred from an Olivier Award-winning run in London, has opened on Broadway. The reviews are in and are decidedly mixed. Some reviews said that, while the opening moments were electrifying, that electricity dissipated quickly. Other reviews thought that the entire 85 minutes were great. Samuel L. Jackson got positive reviews across the board, though the degree of praise varied from review to review. Some said that he had his work cut out for him and that he was able to create a passable performance given the material he was working with was quite a lot of work that deserved recognition. Other reviews said that he "does absolutely right by King, playing all the flaws that make him human without robbing him of his basic dignity," adding that his performance was "physically imposing and emotionally honest." Sounds like he's set up to be a mid-level contender for a Best Actor Tony nomination come May/June. Kenny Leon, the play's director, is unlikely to be nominated for a directing Tony but, given that the play has won an Olivier Award, it has a 50/50 chance of getting a Tony nomination.